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Think you could train to be a prizefighter in a month? That's the challenge facing some of the novice's who are getting ready to rumble for the last ever Fight Night at Number One Shed.

Organisers hope the event will continue long after the shed has been torn down. But they are determined to provide a raucous farewell to the gritty Front Street venue that has played host to the event for the last ten years.

This year's Fight Night has been pushed forward to February 16 - the last date available at Number One Shed, which will be demolished as part of the re-development of Front Street.

Fighters from Canada are set to be flown in to fight Bermuda's best on the top of the card for the wholly amateur event, which routinely attracts around 1,500 sports fans.

There will also be up to eight all-local bouts with plenty of first-timers getting in the ring.

Some of the fighters only began training in the last few days and face a grueling month of preparation.

At Controversy Gym, in Spanish Point, on Wednesday night, there was a fullhouse of fighters pounding the bags, skipping rope and sparring in the makeshift ring.

Among them were Warwick Academy students Will Howard and Adam Johnson, who were getting their first taste of the sport.

"We just started training tonight. I guess we've got a lot to learn in a month," admitted Johnson.

The friends, both 17 and members of the Teachers' rugby club 'young byes', will fight each other.

"It's kind of an initiation thing at the rugby club. The training's been pretty cool so far," said Howard.

South African Jared Powles does not know who he is fighting yet, but the confident 24-year-old is convinced he is going to win.

"At first I was kind of worried - what happens if I get the crap beat out of me? But I don't think it's going to happen. I'm a South African, man, we're winners."

Powles, an auditor for KPMG who only arrived on the island in September, said he didn't know too much about the atmosphere at Number One shed till he saw a clip of one of last year's fights on YouTube.

"I thought the crowd would be much more reserved. I couldn't believe the noise. If there is that many people there, I have to win."

The priority for Jashun Thomas, 19, this year is to learn the right style. The youngster was disqualified in his bout against Tom Healy last time.

"They said I was street brawling. I think I'll be way better this year, I know a bit more about the rules."

Thomas, who works at Butterfield and Vallis, was back in training last night for the first time in four months. But he is convinced he'll be ready in time for a February bout.

"I used to train when I was in the States and I think I can be ready."

Chuck Morgan, 28, a Bermudian who works in reinsurance, is trying to convert his jujitsu skills to the boxing ring.

"It's been a case of trying to get fit, get some punching power and spend some time in the ring.

"It doesn't bother me getting hit - I'm happy to stay in and punch with somebody," said Morgan, who coaches believe is a natural fighter.

Melissa Da Ponte, a 26-year-old travel agent preparing for her second bout, said she had got into the sport through women's rugby.

She said she didn't have much time for traditional women's sports.

"You get more aggression out this way."

Sean Weaver, one of the coaches at the gym, said he was very confident in all Controversy's fighters and expected them to take on all-comers on February 16.

"We've been working them really hard and we'll be working them even harder over the next month. Every one of them does five rounds of sparring every time they come down here.

"I'm confident we'll win all our fights."

Chucky Renaud, who runs the gym, echoed those sentiments.

"Let the record show, Controversy Gym, always has the most fighters at every local fight night. We'll take on anyone."[[In-content Ad]]

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